WWE Champ Roman Reigns Gives Up Title After Leukemia Diagnosis

‘I WILL BEAT THIS’

Published Oct. 23, 2018 4:45AM ET

Reuters / Danny Moloshok

Roman Reigns—one of the biggest names in professional wrestling—has announced that he's relinquishing the WWE's Universal Championship title after the leukemia he fought and beat 11 years ago returned. Reigns, real name Joe Anoa'i, had been in remission since 2008 but he revealed on Monday night's episode of “Raw” that his blood cancer was back and he could no longer compete. In an emotional announcement, Reigns told fans: “I'm not going to lie, I'll take every prayer you can send my way but I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm not looking for you to feel bad for me, because I have faith.” He went on to describe his first fight with with leukemia and how WWE took a chance on him despite his health history. He finished: “I will beat this, I will be back, and you will see me very, very soon.”